Summary of "Somebody Knows Something" Podcast Episode 4 - "The Bikers and The Van"

Introduction

In Episode 4 of "Somebody Knows Something: The Elgin Police Cold Case Podcast," Detectives Andrew Howden and Matt Vartanian delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance of 23-year-old Karen Schepers, who vanished on the night of April 16, 1983, after a night out with co-workers at PM Bentley's in Carpentersville, Illinois. This episode explores new theories involving motorcycle gangs and examines witness statements that could shed light on Karen's fate.

Visiting PM Bentley's

[02:25] The detectives begin by revisiting PM Bentley's, the nightclub and bar where Karen was last seen. Located in the Meadowdale Shopping Center, the establishment was known for hosting live music a few nights a week.

[02:55] Detective Howden: "PM Bentley's was a nightclub and bar that hosted live music a couple days a week... We thought the best way to get an idea of how the place looked and what it was like was to get with the former owner, Frank."

[04:52] They meet with Frank, the former owner, who provides a comprehensive tour of the now-vacant building. Frank reminisces about the bar's layout, clientele, and operations during the early 1980s.

Key Details from Frank:

• Layout: A large space with a stage, a rectangular bar with about 30 seats, and bathrooms located immediately to the entrance.
• Clientele: Predominantly young and sometimes rowdy, especially on weekends.
• Operations: Open daily from 4 PM to 2 AM (3 AM on Saturdays) with live entertainment six nights a week. The bar lacked bouncers but had ID checkers at the door who would escort single girls to their cars for safety.

[06:03] Frank: "Into the area where you dance and sit at the stage. Or you could go right into the bar."

The Carnival Connection

[10:58] A significant revelation comes when the detectives learn from a co-worker, referred to as "Daisy," that there was a carnival adjacent to PM Bentley's on the night Karen disappeared. This detail was previously unrecorded in official reports.

[11:14] Detective Matt Vartanian: "When I got to the bar, I was kind of surprised because the parking lot was very crowded... This carnival was never mentioned in the original reports..."

[14:07] Through extensive research, including reviewing microfilm and digital archives, the detectives confirm the existence of the Greater American Carnival sponsored by the Meadowdale Businessmen's Association, which took place from April 14th to April 24th, 1983.

[14:50] Detective Howden: "So we're curious about people coming and going, maybe where workers would have stayed if they were living on site for the weekend..."

The presence of the carnival introduces new avenues of investigation, suggesting the possibility that carnival-goers or workers might have witnessed events related to Karen's disappearance.

Witness Statements

David's Testimony

[16:16] David, a witness who reported seeing Karen at PM Bentley's, provided a detailed statement describing an interaction involving Karen and a large man wearing a motorcycle jacket.

[17:10] Detective Matt Vartanian: "Here is David's actual written police statement from December of 1983."

David's Statement Highlights:

• Initial Encounter: Saw Karen at the bar around 9:30 PM but was interrupted by a "husky guy" before he could buy her a drink.
• Later Observation: Around 1:05 AM, witnessed an argument involving a woman he believed to be Karen and a large man near his brother's van. Described the man's appearance and the cars involved.

[18:43] Detective Matt Vartanian: "David had reported to the police that he arrived at PM Bentley's around roughly 8:30 or 9:00 PM and that Karen had caught his eye roughly around 9:30 PM."

Jessica's Account

[33:19] Jessica, another witness, recounts a disturbing encounter a week after Karen's disappearance, involving her and her sister interacting with two men at PM Bentley's.

[34:26] David: "That weirdo your sister was talking about? Well, you're looking at him."

Jessica's Key Points:

• Met two men at the bar who were discussing Karen's disappearance.
• Left the bar around 2:45 AM with one man, planning to go for coffee.
• Encountered a threatening individual who allegedly threatened to rape her.

[35:46] Detective Howden: "We want to make sure any of our listeners contact us if they remember anything similar."

Analysis of Witness Reliability

Inconsistencies in David's Statements

[19:26] The detectives note discrepancies between David's initial interview on April 21st and his written statement in December 1983.

Initial Interview (April 21):

• Described the man as a white male, 5'8" to 5'9", with a bushy beard and shoulder-length hair, appearing to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
• Time of encounter: Approximately 11:30 PM.

Written Statement (December):

• Description changed to a taller man (6'2" to 6'4"), weighing 240-250 pounds, with curly hair to his shoulders and a full beard.
• Time of encounter: Approximately 9:30 PM to 9:45 PM.

[20:16] Detective Howden: "He kind of makes the guy sound bigger and more menacing as time passes."

Polygraph Results

[27:30] David underwent a polygraph test with inconclusive results due to "erratic and unexplained emotional disturbances."

[28:05] Detective Matt Vartanian: "He is suffering from some emotional defect which precludes the examiner from submitting a definite report at this time."

Biker Involvement Theory

[22:11] The detectives explore the possibility that motorcycle gangs frequenting PM Bentley's could be connected to Karen's disappearance.

[22:16] Frank: "We had motorcycle people come in here, but we wouldn't allow them to bring their colors."

[23:22] Detective Matt Vartanian: "We had to put a policy in place that, hey, we don't want these guys wearing colors in the bar because we don't want to have problems."

[24:46] The presence of bikers is corroborated by multiple witnesses and former law enforcement sources, adding weight to the theory that a biker could have been involved in Karen's disappearance. However, the detectives acknowledge the complexities involved, such as the disappearance of Karen's car and the need for a greater understanding of biker activities that night.

[31:20] Detective Matt Vartanian: "We have to keep moving forward and looking at other things, too."

Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation

[36:45] The detectives emphasize the importance of interviewing former employees who were present during Karen's disappearance. They highlight the difficulty in tracking down individuals who were never interviewed in 1983, including a female employee who was reportedly followed home by a man—a key witness who could provide critical information.

[36:45] Detective Howden: "We know a girl... was serving their table, and we've never been able to talk to her."

Teaser for Next Episode

[36:45] Detective Matt Vartanian: "We identified and interviewed one more new witness, a woman who worked at PM Bentley's but quit shortly before Karen disappeared. She provided a shocking revelation that could potentially take this investigation in a totally new direction."

Conclusion

Detectives Howden and Vartanian wrap up the episode by reiterating the need for public assistance. They encourage anyone with information related to Karen Schepers' case or the events at PM Bentley's during that night to come forward, emphasizing that no detail is too small and that all tips are valuable in seeking justice and closure.

[37:59] Chief Anna Lally: "If you or anyone you know has information about this case or any other cold case in Elgin, please contact the Elgin Police Department cold case email@coldcasetipselginil.gov..."

Call to Action

The Elgin Police Department Cold Case Unit continues to seek assistance from the community. Listeners with pertinent information are urged to contact the department via email at ColdCaseTips@elginil.gov or by phone at 1-847-289-COLD. Comprehensive details of all cold cases can be found on the Elgin Police Department's Transparency Hub.

This episode sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of Karen Schepers' disappearance, introducing new witnesses and potential links to motorcycle gangs. As the investigation progresses, the detectives emphasize the importance of community involvement in solving cold cases that have long remained shrouded in mystery.